Atlanta Falcons - (10-6) - Matt Ryan showed why he was the second overall pick of the 2008 draft. He will develop into an elite QB sooner than later. Top Wide out Roddy White has a new contract and acquiring future hall of famer Tony Gonzalez is a huge boost for the offense. Michael Jenkins is developing into a nice complement to White. Michael Turner was a beast running the ball last year, rushing for 1699 yards and 17 scores. After a disastrous 2007 season. The offensive line gelled to become a solid unit. They added some depth to the defense in the draft. Selecting tackle Peria Jerry out of Mississippi in the first round. Lawrence Sidbury is another interesting rookie who played at Richmond. He could be a major boost in pass rushing situations. Curtis Lofton is back for another big year at middle linebacker. He was a force as a rookie in 2008. Outside linebackers Stephan Nichols and Mike Peterson will make this a strong trio. Tony Gilbert will aslo get some time after missing all 16 games last season. Coy Wire also adds some run stopping ability as a hybrid linebacker/safety. The defensive backs are young. Erik Coleman has the most experience at safety. Chris Houston hasn't been the player they hoped for. He will get his shot to start in year three. Rookie Chris Owens out of San Jose State has a shot to start as the other corner. Von Hutchins will be in the mix at corner too. William Moore is a big player at safety. the rookie from Missouri is 6'o 221lbs and plays with every bit of that size to knock out opposing runners and receivers. I think if this defense can put it together Atlanta could make a Superbowl run.
Carolina Panthers - (9-7) - Jake Delhomme was signed to a contract extension through 2014. He is 34 and not an elite QB. DeAngelo Williams finally stayed healthy and made opposing defenses look foolish. Jonathon Stewart is a bigger back who compliments Williams. Stewart has had injury issues this preseason and has yet to play. Steve Smith had a shoulder injury. He should be fine for he start of the season and be the usual top receiver that he is. The offensive line is very good. Jordan Gross was resigned to protect Delholmme's blind side. Ryan Kalil is turning into a top center. The defense is good. Julius Peppers is back after an off season of drama. he was franchised and will make about a million a game. Everette Brown was taken in the first round to add another pass rusher. He could also be filling Peppers shoes in 2010 if the team decides not to sign him to a contract. Jon Beason has been nothing but a tackling machine since being drafted in 2007. He has been banged up so far and needs to be healthy. Chris Gamble is the top player in the secondary. Safety Charles Godfrey learned on the job as a rookie in 2008. they need him to take a step forward. although he played well for a rookie. Early injuries are a concern for Carolina. They will make a playoff push but will have to battle Atlanta and New Orleans for it.
New Orleans Saints - (8-8) - Drew Brees has been lighting up the scoreboard since his arrival from San Diego. Sean Payton's pass heavy offense has been in good hands with Brees. Marques Colston should return to his top form after battling injuries all season. Lance Moore and Devery Henderson stepped up in the passing game. Robert Meacham has been great this preseason and could have a break out year. Meacham is a big wide out who can fly. Shockey could be a factor this year after being hurt a lot of last season. The offensive line is a good unit. All five starters are back. Less Reggie Bush and more Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell or rookie P.J. Hill seems like the way the offense is heading at runningback. The defense was terrible last season and will be again in 2009. They resigned Jonathon Vilma who had 151 tackles. Sedrick Ellis had a decent rookie year at tackle. They desperately need him to take another step forward. Malcome Jenkins was drafted to bolster an atrocious secondary. He could end up at safety. Jabari Greer is an good player at corner. Tracy porter was having a good rookie season until it was ended by injury. Look for the same old huge offense and no defense from New Orleans. They will make a playoff push but wont have the defense do go anywhere if they do make it.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers - ( 3 - 13 ) Tampa Bay's roster has been gutted like the home of a first time buyer. Three games into the preseason they don't have an answer at quarterback. Although new offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski wants a run heavy offense. Derek Ward was brought in from New York and should get the bulk of the carries. Ernest Graham will get plenty of chances also. Carnell Williams is going to get a chance to resurrect a once hopeful career which has been shattered by injury. Antonio Bryant finally showed his potential. But the major issue at quarterback could seriously hinder his numbers. Kellen Winslow is a great tight end when healthy but faces the same problems as Bryant. The line has the potential to turn into a solid group. They are very young. Headlined by Davin Joseph and oldest member Jeff Faine who is only 28. The defensive line is bad. Adam Gaines hasn't developed into a good pass rusher. Chris Hovan has a lot of heart but that will only get him so far. especially entering year ten. Barrett Rudd is the heart of the defense in the middle. Angelo Crowell could be a nice addition to the outside if he can come back from a knee injury. Aqib Talib was just arrested and could face a suspension for punching a man. Safety Tanard Jackson was suspended for the first four games for violating the leagues substance abuse policy. Will Allen will have to step in for Jackson. It's going to be a long year in Tampa Bay. No playoffs this year or for the next few.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
NFC North
Minnesota Vikings - (11-5) - He's baaaack, yup Favre is back. Surprised, yes, no, maybe? Either way he will be taking snaps for the Vikes. He doesn't have to carry this team. Adrian Peterson is a workhorse. Chester Taylor is a great back up. Favre doesn't have great weapons to throw to. Rookie Percy Harvin can line up in multiple spots. Bernard Berrian could have a nice year with the addition of Favre. Tight End Visanthe Shiancoe had a solid season with 7 touchdowns. The offensive line is back except for a major piece. Matt Birk left via free agency. John Sullivan will get the start in his third pro season. The defense is good. Maybe a little overrated. The defensive line is great. Pat and Kevin Williams are giants beasts clogging the middle. Jared Allen provides a tough pass rusher at end. Linebacker isn't a deep unit. Chad Greenway played up to expectations last year. Look for him to get even better in his fourth year. E.J. Henderson is back from injury. He is the leader of the defense at middle linebacker. Ben Leber is a solid player on the outside. The defensive backs are led by Antoine Winfield. He is entering his tenth season and still laying out hits at corner. Cedric Griffin has the other corner spot. He needs to step up in his coverage abilities. Mediau Williams is a good safety but got injured early last year. He came back late and played well. Tyrell Johnson will take over for long time Viking Darren Sharper. He needs to help solidify that spot. If Griffin and Johnson can play well, This defense can be top notch. If not it could lead to some holes.
Chicago Bears - (9-7) - The Bears and Vikings remind me alot of each other. New QB Jay Cutler will need to be the answer Chicago has been looking for. Matt Forte is a workhorse much like Peterson. He has excellent hands as well. Tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olson will need to make alot of catches. The wide receivers are poor. Jauquin Iglesias is a rookie out of Oklahoma. He could be a great short yardage receiver in the slot. Orlando Pace was brought in to strengthen the line. A change of scenery could wake Pace up for a season. But his best days are far behind. Olin Kreutz is still a tough gritty player but he is getting older as well. The defense is tough. Tommy Harris is one of the top linemen in the NFL. Lance Briggs is a tremendous outside linebacker. Brian Urlacher is still a solid player. Nick Roach, Hunter Hillenmeyer and rookie Marcus Freeman will battle for the other outside spot. Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher are a top duo at corner. But they have had alot of injuries the past few years. D.J. Moore was drafted in the fourth round this April. He is a tough player who will play through injury. He could be a stand out at some point in his career for the Bears. Kevin Payne is a good all around player at strong safety. This team could challenge the Vikings for the division title. Especially if someone steps up at wide receiver.
Green Bay Packers - (8-8) - Aaron Rodgers played well in his first year as a starter. He has a ton of weapons. Greg Jennings highlights the receiver group. Veteran Donald driver, James Jones and second year player Jordy Nelson round out a very solid 1- 4 on the depth chart. Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson are serviceable at runningback. The O-Line is good. Chad Clifton had surgery on both knees and is entering his tenth year. Other than that they are set on the line. The defense will be interesting due to the switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4. The grabbed a key piece in the draft selecting B.J. Raji to play nose. Finding ends to fit the scheme may be tough with they're current players. They may have great players at linebacker. Aaron Kampman will move to outside linebacker. The top end needs to make a smooth transition. A.J. Hawk will move inside next to Nick Barnett. The Packers also selected the very athletic Clay Matthews out of USC in the first round as well. He will get every chance to start at the other OLD spot. Charles Woodson is still playing at a high level at corner. Safety Anthony smith could find himself starting after coming from Pittsburgh where they play a 3-4. If the new defensive scheme works well, Green bay could make a playoff push. If not it could be another 6-10 year.
Detroit Loins - (2-14) - Daunte Culpepper and Mathew Stafford will battle for the top spot. They would be smart to let Stafford sit and learn for the first five or six games depending on Culpepper's play. If he plays well than letting him sit the entire year could be smart. But smart has never been associated with he Detroit Loins. Calvin Johnson is a top wide out. Brandon Pettigrew was added at tight end in the draft. He can catch and block. Kevin Smith stepped in and run well as a rookie in 2008. The offensive line isn't very good. Dominic Roiola is a solid center. Jeff Backus has been the starting left tackle for 9 years and is okay. Gosder Cherilus needs to improve in his second season at right tackle. The defense is still not good. Adding free agent Grady Jackson gives them a plug in the middle. They have upgraded at linebacker which was a priority. Larry Foote will play in the middle and Julian Peterson was brought in from a trade with Seattle. They will help take pressure off Ernie Sims who was the Lions defense last year. The defensive backfield is not good. Louis Delmas was selected with the number 33 pick in the draft. He could be a future building block for the team at safety. The rest of the group is underwhelming with no stars. This organization is still a long way from being good. It will take alot to reverse what Matt Millen did.
Chicago Bears - (9-7) - The Bears and Vikings remind me alot of each other. New QB Jay Cutler will need to be the answer Chicago has been looking for. Matt Forte is a workhorse much like Peterson. He has excellent hands as well. Tight ends Desmond Clark and Greg Olson will need to make alot of catches. The wide receivers are poor. Jauquin Iglesias is a rookie out of Oklahoma. He could be a great short yardage receiver in the slot. Orlando Pace was brought in to strengthen the line. A change of scenery could wake Pace up for a season. But his best days are far behind. Olin Kreutz is still a tough gritty player but he is getting older as well. The defense is tough. Tommy Harris is one of the top linemen in the NFL. Lance Briggs is a tremendous outside linebacker. Brian Urlacher is still a solid player. Nick Roach, Hunter Hillenmeyer and rookie Marcus Freeman will battle for the other outside spot. Charles Tillman and Nathan Vasher are a top duo at corner. But they have had alot of injuries the past few years. D.J. Moore was drafted in the fourth round this April. He is a tough player who will play through injury. He could be a stand out at some point in his career for the Bears. Kevin Payne is a good all around player at strong safety. This team could challenge the Vikings for the division title. Especially if someone steps up at wide receiver.
Green Bay Packers - (8-8) - Aaron Rodgers played well in his first year as a starter. He has a ton of weapons. Greg Jennings highlights the receiver group. Veteran Donald driver, James Jones and second year player Jordy Nelson round out a very solid 1- 4 on the depth chart. Ryan Grant and Brandon Jackson are serviceable at runningback. The O-Line is good. Chad Clifton had surgery on both knees and is entering his tenth year. Other than that they are set on the line. The defense will be interesting due to the switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4. The grabbed a key piece in the draft selecting B.J. Raji to play nose. Finding ends to fit the scheme may be tough with they're current players. They may have great players at linebacker. Aaron Kampman will move to outside linebacker. The top end needs to make a smooth transition. A.J. Hawk will move inside next to Nick Barnett. The Packers also selected the very athletic Clay Matthews out of USC in the first round as well. He will get every chance to start at the other OLD spot. Charles Woodson is still playing at a high level at corner. Safety Anthony smith could find himself starting after coming from Pittsburgh where they play a 3-4. If the new defensive scheme works well, Green bay could make a playoff push. If not it could be another 6-10 year.
Detroit Loins - (2-14) - Daunte Culpepper and Mathew Stafford will battle for the top spot. They would be smart to let Stafford sit and learn for the first five or six games depending on Culpepper's play. If he plays well than letting him sit the entire year could be smart. But smart has never been associated with he Detroit Loins. Calvin Johnson is a top wide out. Brandon Pettigrew was added at tight end in the draft. He can catch and block. Kevin Smith stepped in and run well as a rookie in 2008. The offensive line isn't very good. Dominic Roiola is a solid center. Jeff Backus has been the starting left tackle for 9 years and is okay. Gosder Cherilus needs to improve in his second season at right tackle. The defense is still not good. Adding free agent Grady Jackson gives them a plug in the middle. They have upgraded at linebacker which was a priority. Larry Foote will play in the middle and Julian Peterson was brought in from a trade with Seattle. They will help take pressure off Ernie Sims who was the Lions defense last year. The defensive backfield is not good. Louis Delmas was selected with the number 33 pick in the draft. He could be a future building block for the team at safety. The rest of the group is underwhelming with no stars. This organization is still a long way from being good. It will take alot to reverse what Matt Millen did.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
NFC East
Philadelphia Eagles - (12-4) - The Eagles look to be ready to make a Superbowl run. They need Quarterback Donovan McNabb to be the player he was in the second half of last season after being benched. The Eagles added Runningback LeSean McCoy in the draft to take some carries from the aging often injured Brian Westbrook. Westbrook is still a star when healthy. But the game is starting to wear on him physically. McCoy was a star in college when he played 3 seasons at Pittsburgh. Philadelphia also added Wide receiver Jeremy Maclin in the first round in the draft. Maclin is a speedster who can stretch the field. DeSean Jackson led the team in receptions in 2008 as a rookie. Kevin Curtis should also be back after getting injured last year. Brent Celek and Cornelius Ingram will battle for the Tight End spot to replace L.J. Smith. The offensive line is massive. They aquired Jason Peters in a trade with Buffalo. Peters is one of the top left tackles in the league. He is back with former college teammate/roommate Shawn Andrews. Shawn's Brother Stacey is also joining the team and will play right guard. Jamaal Jackson could lose his starting spot at center. He has had a few down seasons. The defense is very solid. The line is anchored by tackles Mike Patterson and Broderick Bunkley. Stewart Bradley is a strong middle linebacker entering his fourth season. Outside linebackers Chris Gocong and Akeem Jordan are tough against the run and pass. The secondary is very deep with talented players. Asante Samuels is in his second year with the team. He added the excellent pass coverage the defense needed. Sheldon Brown has the other corner spot. he is excellent against the run. Ellis Hobbs will try to make his case for a starting spot at corner. He will return kicks and be a top player in nickel and dime packages. Quintin Demps will have to fill the shoes of longtime Eagle Brain Dawkins. Quintin Mikell was an all-pro at strong safety. This team is strong and should go deep into the playoffs.
New York Giants - (11-5) - The Giants look strong again this season. Bruising back Brandon Jacobs punishes defenses but gets nicked up doing it. Andre Brown was drafted to give the Giants another runner who can also catch. Brown was a steal in the fourth round this past April. Ahmad Bradshaw adds alot of speed off the bench also. Somebody needs to emerge as the top target for Eli Manning. Steve Smith made strides last year and should see more catches with Amoni Toomer gone. Dominik Hixon, Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Burden will all get shots to play. Kevin Boss has been adequate at tight end. Travis Beckum was taken in the third round and was a dynamic receiving end at Wisconson. Pro Bowler Chris Snee headlines a tough gritty offensive line. The defense will be better this season. Justin Tuck has worked hard to become one of the better defensive ends in football. Osi Umenyiora is a great pass rusher on the other side. Rookie Clint Sintim will push for a starting spot at outside linebacker. Antonio Pierce holds down the inside as he has since being signed in 2005. Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are both solid corners. Michael Johnson and Kenny Phillips are young talented players who will start at safety.
Dallas Cowboys - (10-6) - Tony Romo and the Cowboys will be happy to move on from the T.O. years. Roy Williams was acquired in a mid-season trade in 08' but never hit his stride. He will have every chance to this season and I believe he will. Jason Witten is the best tight end in football. If not a close second to Tony Gonzalez in Atlanta. Runningbacks Marion Barber and Felix Jones need to stay healthy. Jones was a game breaker last year scoring a 33 and 60 yard touchdowns. The offensive line is good. They Need Doug Free to step up and Push Flozell Adams for the staring left tackle spot. Center Andre Gourode and Leonard Davis are both pro bowlers. The defense is good, however the secondary has some issues. They need to find a starter opposite Terence Newman at corner. Mike Mickens could step in as a rookie and fill the shoes that Mike Jenkins could not. DeMarcus Ware is one of the top linebackers in football. He and James Brady make this an above average unit. Jay Ratliff Made the pro bowl last year at nose tackle. he is the star of the line.
Washington Redskins - (7-9) - The Redskins have enough talent to win other NFL divisions. But not the NFC East. Quarterback Jason Campbell is on the hot seat. They need him to come up big in this contract year to show he is the long term answer. Clinton Portis had a monster first half. But got banged up in the second and his productivity went down. The Offensive line was once a strength. But age is taking it's toll. Tight end Chris Cooley had another exceptional year. He only had one touchdown though. The rest of the receiving core is a mess. The two rookies from a year ago Reggie Kelly and Devin Thomas did nothing. Santana Moss exploded in the first few weeks but didn't do much down the stretch. They added Albert Haynesworth and Brian Orakpo to bolster the defensive line. London Fletcher is a rock at middle linebacker. But he is getting older. Corners DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers played well last season. After being released by the Raiders Hall got a much needed reality check and played to potential. LeRon Landry has not played to potential at safety. This team doesn't have what it takes to win this division. It is still a solid team.
New York Giants - (11-5) - The Giants look strong again this season. Bruising back Brandon Jacobs punishes defenses but gets nicked up doing it. Andre Brown was drafted to give the Giants another runner who can also catch. Brown was a steal in the fourth round this past April. Ahmad Bradshaw adds alot of speed off the bench also. Somebody needs to emerge as the top target for Eli Manning. Steve Smith made strides last year and should see more catches with Amoni Toomer gone. Dominik Hixon, Hakeem Nicks and Ramses Burden will all get shots to play. Kevin Boss has been adequate at tight end. Travis Beckum was taken in the third round and was a dynamic receiving end at Wisconson. Pro Bowler Chris Snee headlines a tough gritty offensive line. The defense will be better this season. Justin Tuck has worked hard to become one of the better defensive ends in football. Osi Umenyiora is a great pass rusher on the other side. Rookie Clint Sintim will push for a starting spot at outside linebacker. Antonio Pierce holds down the inside as he has since being signed in 2005. Aaron Ross and Corey Webster are both solid corners. Michael Johnson and Kenny Phillips are young talented players who will start at safety.
Dallas Cowboys - (10-6) - Tony Romo and the Cowboys will be happy to move on from the T.O. years. Roy Williams was acquired in a mid-season trade in 08' but never hit his stride. He will have every chance to this season and I believe he will. Jason Witten is the best tight end in football. If not a close second to Tony Gonzalez in Atlanta. Runningbacks Marion Barber and Felix Jones need to stay healthy. Jones was a game breaker last year scoring a 33 and 60 yard touchdowns. The offensive line is good. They Need Doug Free to step up and Push Flozell Adams for the staring left tackle spot. Center Andre Gourode and Leonard Davis are both pro bowlers. The defense is good, however the secondary has some issues. They need to find a starter opposite Terence Newman at corner. Mike Mickens could step in as a rookie and fill the shoes that Mike Jenkins could not. DeMarcus Ware is one of the top linebackers in football. He and James Brady make this an above average unit. Jay Ratliff Made the pro bowl last year at nose tackle. he is the star of the line.
Washington Redskins - (7-9) - The Redskins have enough talent to win other NFL divisions. But not the NFC East. Quarterback Jason Campbell is on the hot seat. They need him to come up big in this contract year to show he is the long term answer. Clinton Portis had a monster first half. But got banged up in the second and his productivity went down. The Offensive line was once a strength. But age is taking it's toll. Tight end Chris Cooley had another exceptional year. He only had one touchdown though. The rest of the receiving core is a mess. The two rookies from a year ago Reggie Kelly and Devin Thomas did nothing. Santana Moss exploded in the first few weeks but didn't do much down the stretch. They added Albert Haynesworth and Brian Orakpo to bolster the defensive line. London Fletcher is a rock at middle linebacker. But he is getting older. Corners DeAngelo Hall and Carlos Rogers played well last season. After being released by the Raiders Hall got a much needed reality check and played to potential. LeRon Landry has not played to potential at safety. This team doesn't have what it takes to win this division. It is still a solid team.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
AFC West
San Diego Chargers - (10-6) - San Diego is the most talented team in a weak division. Unfortunately they have to play the NFC East this season. Philip Rivers is coming off a career season. He threw 34 touchdowns in 2008 which is a franchise best. LaDanian Tomlinson had a down year after getting nicked up early. Darren Sproles filled in nicely when called apon. Giving the chargers two good backs. Vincent Jackson stepped up and had his best season at wide receiver. He surpassed 1,000 yards. Antonio Gates is still one of the premier tight ends in the game. He is back at full strength this season. A usually good offensive line struggled. They should be back at 100 percent. The defensive line lost end Igor Olshansky in free agency. They hope Ryon Bingham can fill in against the run. Rookie Larry English may come in in passing situations. He will also see time at outside linebacker. Losing Shawne Merriman for the season with a torn ACL was devastating. Shaun Phillips took advantage and led the team in sacks. If Antonio Cromartie can relive his 2007 season, the defensive backs are an excellent unit. Quintin Jammer is a very good corner on the other side. Eric Weddle has done nothing but make tackles all over the field since being drafted in 2007. The Chargers would really have to fall apart to not make the playoffs. The West is very weak.
Kansas City Chiefs - (8-8) - Scott Pioli has done a nice job building this team. He acquired former Patriot Quarterback Matt Cassel in a trade. The jury is still out on Cassel, but I think he has the tools to succeed. He should throw for 3,000 yards. Matt may also get the green light to run a little more. Dwayne Bowe is a talented young player at wide receiver. He is entering his third season and gotten better each year. Losing future hall of famer Tony Gonzalez is tough. His production will be a tall task to replace. Brad Cottam is going to get the shot. He showed good skills catching and blocking last season. Veteran Bobby Engram was brought in to play the slot. If Larry Johnson can get his emotions in check and play football. It will be a major boost for the offense. They hope second year player Jamaal Charles can take a step forward this year to help the rushing attack. Brandan Albert showed why he was the top choice for the Chiefs a year ago. He made a smooth transition from guard to left tackle in his rookie season. The line is above average. The defense is making the switch to a 3-4 alignment. They started by drafting End Tyson Jackson third overall in april. Glenn Dorsey will go from tackle to end. Finding a suitable nose may not be easy. They added a couple of vets to the linebacking core with 3-4 experience. Mike Vrabel was also acquired in the Cassel trade. Zack Thomas was also signed via free agency. Derrick johnson may play in the middle next to Thomas. Tamba Hali may move from end to outside linebacker. The defensive backfield is underrated. Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr both played solid in their rookie seasons. Bernard pollard and Jarred Page are both solid safeties. KC may have some trouble in a couple areas in switch to the 3-4. But adding vets with experience will help. They could surprise with a playoff push late. Maybe a year away from playoff contention.
Denver Broncos - (6-10) - Josh McDaniels takes over a rebuilding Broncos team. Jay Cutler was traded to Chicago after a tumultuous offseason. Denver acquired Kyle Orton in the trade. Orton has had unspectacular success in the NFL. But if he can play efficient football he will win the job. Denver signed a slew of runningbacks as well as drafting the out of this world athletic Knowshon Moreno. Correll Buckhalter will also get some touches. Eddie Royal emerged as a reliable receiver last year as a rookie. The troubled Brandon Marshall is talented but wants a trade and is always in legal trouble. Jabar Gaffney came over from New England will will add depth. The offensive line is a good unit. Top choice in 2008 Ryan Clady gave up only a half a sack in his rookie year. The defense doesn't look good. They selected Robert Ayers with their second pick in the first round. He can play end or outside linebacker and could be a bright spot. DJ Williams is the best player on the defense. He has little help out there. The Defensive backs are the strongest part of the D. Perennial Pro bowler Brian Dawkins was signed as a free agent. They hope he can bring experience to the defense. Champ Bailey is still a top corner and hopes to stay healthy. The Broncos are a year or two away from competing for the playoffs. Josh McDaniels takes over a tough situation.
Oakland Raiders - (5-11) - Entering year three, Big things are expected from Quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Jeff garcia was brought in and could see time if Russell struggles. Rookie Darrius Harward-Bey was drafted in the top ten. He has blazing speed but questions surround his hands. Zack Miller has been a steady player at tight end. Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden will split the duties at runningback. they have two different running styles which has become a trend in the NFL. The offensive line is bad. Robert Gallery has resurrected his career at guard after being taken second overall in the 2004 draft. But he is the only solid player. Kirk Morrison is a beast at middle linebacker. Thomas Howard is also an underrated player. But the defensive line struggled last year. The line has the potential to be okay. But they need to stay healthy. The defensive secondary is a strong unit. Asomugha Nnamdi is could be the best corner in the league. Young Tyvon branch looked good before getting injured last year at safety. Chris Johnson has the other corner spot and looks very good. The defense can be good if they stay healthy and play up to potential. They defense could win them a couple mores games if this happens. No playoffs for Oakland.
Kansas City Chiefs - (8-8) - Scott Pioli has done a nice job building this team. He acquired former Patriot Quarterback Matt Cassel in a trade. The jury is still out on Cassel, but I think he has the tools to succeed. He should throw for 3,000 yards. Matt may also get the green light to run a little more. Dwayne Bowe is a talented young player at wide receiver. He is entering his third season and gotten better each year. Losing future hall of famer Tony Gonzalez is tough. His production will be a tall task to replace. Brad Cottam is going to get the shot. He showed good skills catching and blocking last season. Veteran Bobby Engram was brought in to play the slot. If Larry Johnson can get his emotions in check and play football. It will be a major boost for the offense. They hope second year player Jamaal Charles can take a step forward this year to help the rushing attack. Brandan Albert showed why he was the top choice for the Chiefs a year ago. He made a smooth transition from guard to left tackle in his rookie season. The line is above average. The defense is making the switch to a 3-4 alignment. They started by drafting End Tyson Jackson third overall in april. Glenn Dorsey will go from tackle to end. Finding a suitable nose may not be easy. They added a couple of vets to the linebacking core with 3-4 experience. Mike Vrabel was also acquired in the Cassel trade. Zack Thomas was also signed via free agency. Derrick johnson may play in the middle next to Thomas. Tamba Hali may move from end to outside linebacker. The defensive backfield is underrated. Brandon Flowers and Brandon Carr both played solid in their rookie seasons. Bernard pollard and Jarred Page are both solid safeties. KC may have some trouble in a couple areas in switch to the 3-4. But adding vets with experience will help. They could surprise with a playoff push late. Maybe a year away from playoff contention.
Denver Broncos - (6-10) - Josh McDaniels takes over a rebuilding Broncos team. Jay Cutler was traded to Chicago after a tumultuous offseason. Denver acquired Kyle Orton in the trade. Orton has had unspectacular success in the NFL. But if he can play efficient football he will win the job. Denver signed a slew of runningbacks as well as drafting the out of this world athletic Knowshon Moreno. Correll Buckhalter will also get some touches. Eddie Royal emerged as a reliable receiver last year as a rookie. The troubled Brandon Marshall is talented but wants a trade and is always in legal trouble. Jabar Gaffney came over from New England will will add depth. The offensive line is a good unit. Top choice in 2008 Ryan Clady gave up only a half a sack in his rookie year. The defense doesn't look good. They selected Robert Ayers with their second pick in the first round. He can play end or outside linebacker and could be a bright spot. DJ Williams is the best player on the defense. He has little help out there. The Defensive backs are the strongest part of the D. Perennial Pro bowler Brian Dawkins was signed as a free agent. They hope he can bring experience to the defense. Champ Bailey is still a top corner and hopes to stay healthy. The Broncos are a year or two away from competing for the playoffs. Josh McDaniels takes over a tough situation.
Oakland Raiders - (5-11) - Entering year three, Big things are expected from Quarterback JaMarcus Russell. Jeff garcia was brought in and could see time if Russell struggles. Rookie Darrius Harward-Bey was drafted in the top ten. He has blazing speed but questions surround his hands. Zack Miller has been a steady player at tight end. Justin Fargas and Darren McFadden will split the duties at runningback. they have two different running styles which has become a trend in the NFL. The offensive line is bad. Robert Gallery has resurrected his career at guard after being taken second overall in the 2004 draft. But he is the only solid player. Kirk Morrison is a beast at middle linebacker. Thomas Howard is also an underrated player. But the defensive line struggled last year. The line has the potential to be okay. But they need to stay healthy. The defensive secondary is a strong unit. Asomugha Nnamdi is could be the best corner in the league. Young Tyvon branch looked good before getting injured last year at safety. Chris Johnson has the other corner spot and looks very good. The defense can be good if they stay healthy and play up to potential. They defense could win them a couple mores games if this happens. No playoffs for Oakland.
Monday, August 3, 2009
AFC South
Tennessee Titans - (11-5) - Tennessee finally toppled the Colts for the top spot in the South. Kerry Collins saved the day after Vince Young had an emotional episode. Chris Johnson showed why their made him the top selection of the 2008 NFL draft. He ran for 1228 yards and 9 touchdowns. His counter part Lendale White added 15 touchdowns. Johnson looks to improve from a breakout rookie season. White had dropped 30 pounds and is i a contract year. Look for big things out of this duo again. The wide receiving core has gotten better. Nate Washington comes over from the Steelers and has big play ability and Kenney Britt was drafted in the first round out of Rutgers. Bo Scaife led the offense with 58 receptions last season. The offensive line is a top NFL unit. They gave up only 8 sacks all season and allowed the runningbacks to run wild. All five starters are back. Losing Albert Haynesworth hurts. But if they can find someone to fill in and do a solid job that will help. Jason Jones and Rookie Sen'Derrick Marks will battle to for that spot. This is still a very good defense with out Haynesworth. Keith Bullock is still a beast at weakside linebacker. He is also in a contract year. Courtland Finnegan went from 7th round selection to all-pro. He leads a strong defensive backfield. Tennessee should be a sure thing for the playoffs. They could make a Superbowl push but i see them falling just short.
Indianapolis Colts - (9-7) - Payton Manning lost his favorite weapon in Marvin Harrison. He still has a pretty potent arsenal. Reggie Wayne is an elite receiver. Anthony Gonzalez will move from the slot to Harrison's spot. Dallas Clark will be seen all over the field as usual. The tight end will line up at slot, on the line and out wide. Joseph Addai hasn't been the same guy as the one we saw his rookie season. The Colts added Donald Brown II to deepen the runningback position. Brown is a workhorse who ran for over 2,000 yards at UConn. Brown was in a offense that virtually never threw the football and still had a ton of success. The O-Line is getting older. They Need Ryan Lilja to bounce back from a major knee injury. Jeff Saturday is in his eleventh season. This is still a good unit and got alot deeper after injuries forced players into the lineup. The defensive line is a solid unit. Eric Foster was a nice surprise in 2008. He won a starting job at tackle as an undrafted free agent. The Linebackers are an average unit. Not alot of depth if someone should go down either. Bob Sanders is a game changer at safety. He gets hurt often and the Colts go from having a top run defense to nothing special depending if he plays or not. Sanders, Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden all had injuries last year and need to stay healthy. Questions surround the Colts this season. Can they stay healthy? Can They adapt to a new coach. All these things will come into play in order to make the playoffs in this tough division.
Houston Texans - (9-7) - Can this finally be the the year quarterback Matt Schaub stays healthy for a whole season? If he does I think Houston will make the playoffs. Steve Slaton emerged as the top runningback after critics deemed him to small for success. Andre johnson and Kevin Walter are a fantastic duo at wide receiver. Owen Daniels is a great pass catching tight end an is coming off his first Pro bowl. The Texans have finally put together a solid offensive line. A five starters are back. Guard checter pitts has never missed a start in the franchise history. Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans has been dominant since his first day in Houston. Former first pick overall in 2006 has become the dominant end they thought he would be. He had 12 sacks in 08'. The defensive backfield is the weakest spot on the team. Jacques Reeves came over from Dallas and played well last year. If this team can stay healthy I see them making a playoff push. But only if they can stay healthy!
Jacksonville Jaguars - (7-9) - David Garrard looks to rebound from a down year. The Jags added veteran wideout Torry Holt. They hope he can be what he was a few years ago. Jarrett Dillard and Tiquan Underwood are two rookies trying to make an impact. Maurice Jones-Drew will be the feature back. I think he is a bit overrated but he has some big play ability. Eugene Monroe was the Jags top draft choice. He will be the left tackle for the foreseeable future. The defense has weakened over recent years. Jacksonville had virtually no pass rush. Linebacker Daryl Smith is a force, but the rest of the group is subpar. Rashean Mathis has pro bowl ability. He needs to regain that form. This is a tough division. Each week will be a playoff factor for every team. I think Jacksonville falls short of the playoffs.
Indianapolis Colts - (9-7) - Payton Manning lost his favorite weapon in Marvin Harrison. He still has a pretty potent arsenal. Reggie Wayne is an elite receiver. Anthony Gonzalez will move from the slot to Harrison's spot. Dallas Clark will be seen all over the field as usual. The tight end will line up at slot, on the line and out wide. Joseph Addai hasn't been the same guy as the one we saw his rookie season. The Colts added Donald Brown II to deepen the runningback position. Brown is a workhorse who ran for over 2,000 yards at UConn. Brown was in a offense that virtually never threw the football and still had a ton of success. The O-Line is getting older. They Need Ryan Lilja to bounce back from a major knee injury. Jeff Saturday is in his eleventh season. This is still a good unit and got alot deeper after injuries forced players into the lineup. The defensive line is a solid unit. Eric Foster was a nice surprise in 2008. He won a starting job at tackle as an undrafted free agent. The Linebackers are an average unit. Not alot of depth if someone should go down either. Bob Sanders is a game changer at safety. He gets hurt often and the Colts go from having a top run defense to nothing special depending if he plays or not. Sanders, Marlin Jackson and Kelvin Hayden all had injuries last year and need to stay healthy. Questions surround the Colts this season. Can they stay healthy? Can They adapt to a new coach. All these things will come into play in order to make the playoffs in this tough division.
Houston Texans - (9-7) - Can this finally be the the year quarterback Matt Schaub stays healthy for a whole season? If he does I think Houston will make the playoffs. Steve Slaton emerged as the top runningback after critics deemed him to small for success. Andre johnson and Kevin Walter are a fantastic duo at wide receiver. Owen Daniels is a great pass catching tight end an is coming off his first Pro bowl. The Texans have finally put together a solid offensive line. A five starters are back. Guard checter pitts has never missed a start in the franchise history. Middle linebacker DeMeco Ryans has been dominant since his first day in Houston. Former first pick overall in 2006 has become the dominant end they thought he would be. He had 12 sacks in 08'. The defensive backfield is the weakest spot on the team. Jacques Reeves came over from Dallas and played well last year. If this team can stay healthy I see them making a playoff push. But only if they can stay healthy!
Jacksonville Jaguars - (7-9) - David Garrard looks to rebound from a down year. The Jags added veteran wideout Torry Holt. They hope he can be what he was a few years ago. Jarrett Dillard and Tiquan Underwood are two rookies trying to make an impact. Maurice Jones-Drew will be the feature back. I think he is a bit overrated but he has some big play ability. Eugene Monroe was the Jags top draft choice. He will be the left tackle for the foreseeable future. The defense has weakened over recent years. Jacksonville had virtually no pass rush. Linebacker Daryl Smith is a force, but the rest of the group is subpar. Rashean Mathis has pro bowl ability. He needs to regain that form. This is a tough division. Each week will be a playoff factor for every team. I think Jacksonville falls short of the playoffs.
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